For which types of vehicles is a replacement vehicle identification number (VIN) needed?

A replacement vehicle identification number (VIN) is especially needed for modified and recovered theft vehicles because these changes may compromise the integrity of the original VIN or indicate that the vehicle has undergone significant alterations or has been returned after being stolen. In such cases, the original VIN may not accurately represent the vehicle's current status or history, making it essential to issue a new VIN to ensure proper documentation and identification.

While new and specially constructed vehicles may have specific VIN requirements, they do not typically necessitate a replacement VIN in the same context as modified or recovered vehicles. These vehicles usually have their VINs assigned at the factory or through standard registration processes, and any modifications or repairs may be recorded without needing a new identification number. Therefore, the specific context of vehicle modifications and theft recovery is crucial in understanding the need for a replacement VIN.